Contemporary Challenges and Pathways for Development in Africa: Political, Economic, and Technological Perspectives

The South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS) proposes to host a panel discussion of experts contributing to stimulating discourse on Africa’s developmental opportunities and challenges during the upcoming World Congress. This panel is aligned with the broader congress theme, Resisting Autocratization in Polarized Societies, and will feature papers exploring select issues that resonate deeply with Africa’s political and socio-economic context.
This panel discussion will explore the multifaceted political, economic, and technological transformations occurring in the continent with special focus on informal economy and how such African states can combat unemployment and other challenges for peoples who are marginalized and excluded from formal economic structures.
Amongst the key issues to be discussed is the role of legislative institutions in fostering accountable governance. The panel will also examine the role of the state in mediating between society and the economy as well as how diplomatic institutions can enhance Africa’s developmental goals, particularly within the changing geo-political order.
In addition, discussion on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa and how it could be harnessed to bridge the development gap and support sustainable growth will be considered. Lastly, the experts will unpack the various roles by civil society and international actors, and propose amongst others, the Afrocentric strategies for promoting democracy and resisting authoritarianism.
This panel offers diverse perspectives of the political, economic, and technological issues shaping the African continent today. The latter discussions aim to contribute to Africa’s development and further foster collaborative solutions for the continent's future.